Road safety has always been a challenge, especially in urban areas where speeding can lead to serious accidents.
But what if technology could take the choice out of drivers’ hands?
That’s what Sweden is exploring with a new digital system that enforces speed limits automatically, leaving no room for error or recklessness, according to Boosted.
The system, called geofencing, is being tested in the city of Enköping. Buses and trucks are at the center of these trials. Using GPS and digital controls, geofencing can restrict vehicle speeds based on their location.
The same technology could also ensure hybrid cars switch to electric mode in low-emission zones, adding environmental benefits to its safety potential.
Reduce Injuries and Fatalities
The Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) is leading the project. Christian Howard, a traffic safety researcher at VTI, says the technology could save lives.
“We believe speed-limiting systems like this have the potential to reduce injuries and fatalities significantly,” he said.
Initial results from the trials are promising, but the system isn’t perfect yet. A key challenge has been ensuring that the correct speed limits are displayed to drivers.
Mistakes in this area can create confusion, a problem that has also surfaced in the Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems already required in all new cars sold in Europe since July 2024.
Unlike ISA, which allows drivers to override warnings by pressing harder on the gas pedal, geofencing leaves no room for such workarounds. In zones where it’s active, vehicles simply cannot exceed the speed limit.
Feedback from drivers participating in the tests has been largely positive, though some worry about the system’s reliability in real-world conditions.
Howard remains optimistic, saying, “This is the future of road safety. But we have to be realistic about the challenges and continue to improve the technology.”
The trial in Enköping is part of a broader effort to explore geofencing’s potential on a global scale. If successful, the system could revolutionize how speed limits are enforced, making roads safer for everyone.
